Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace vows PNP won't target VP Duterte despite political tensions
The Presidential Communications Office has reassured Vice President Sara Duterte that the Philippine National Police will not be weaponized against her or her political allies, even as she remains a key critic of the Marcos administration.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Palace moved to ease tensions Saturday by pledging that law enforcement under President Ferdinand Marcos will not be used to persecute Vice President Sara Duterte or her supporters, despite their status as prominent political opponents.
The Presidential Communications Office issued the assurance after Duterte expressed concerns about potential misuse of police powers against her camp. The statement underscores ongoing friction between the Vice President and the administration, with Duterte having emerged as one of Marcos's most outspoken critics in recent months.
The PCO's defense of the Philippine National Police comes as political divisions have deepened within the national government. The reassurance aims to address concerns from the Vice President's allies regarding their vulnerability to law enforcement actions.
The statement reflects efforts by the Palace to contain the escalating public dispute between the two constitutional leaders, who share the same national ticket from their 2022 electoral victory but have since become adversaries on major policy and political matters.